Beta-lactam compounds or salts thereof for use in long-acting prevention or treatment of a glucose metabolism disorder

ABSTRACT

Provided is a long-acting method for preventing or treating glucose metabolism disorders that includes administering a beta-lactam compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need thereof. The method for preventing or treating glucose metabolism disorders has a long-acting effect that lasts more than two days even after medication has been stopped.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods for preventing or treatingglucose metabolism disorders, and relates particularly to methods forlong-acting prevention or treatment of glucose metabolism disorders byadministering to a subject in need thereof a beta-lactam compound or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

BACKGROUND

Energy is required for normal functioning of body organs. Many tissuesutilize fat or protein as an energy source, but others, such as thebrain and red blood cells, utilize only glucose. Therefore, glucose isthe most important cellular energy source, and thus its metabolism ishighly regulated.

A high blood glucose level stimulates secretion of insulin that isproduced by pancreatic beta-cells. Insulin secreted into the bloodactivates the glucose uptake by muscles and adipose cells, leading tothe storage of glycogen and triglycerides and to the synthesis ofproteins, and thereby the glucose level in the blood is maintained at aproper range. Disruptions of this regulatory network may result indiabetes and its associated syndromes.

Glucose metabolism disorders may lead to hyperglycemia,hyperinsulinemia, or glucose intolerance. An example of a disorder thatis often associated with aberrant levels of glucose is insulinresistance, in which liver, adipose, and muscle cells lose their abilityto respond to normal blood insulin levels. Obesity and insulinresistance share a complex relationship that leads to the development ofvarious types of metabolic disorder, such as type 2 diabetes.Triglycerides accumulated in adipocytes and free fatty acids released bythese cells are both cholesterol precursors that play important roles inthe development and progression of diabetes and its associateddisorders.

Patients are believed to be prediabetes for a certain period of timebefore the final clinical diagnosis of diabetes. Impaired fastingglucose (IFG, 100-126 mg/dL) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT,140-200 mg/dL) are the two major tests for the diagnosis of prediabetes.The blood glucose levels of people with prediabetes are higher thannormal, but are not high enough to be considered as diabetes.Prediabetes carries a higher risk of future diabetes as well as heartdiseases. Prediabetes may be controlled by diet and exercise; forexample, decreasing body weight by 5 to 10% through diet and exercisemay significantly reduce the risk of developing future diabetes. Medicalinterventions may also be needed to prevent it from becoming diabetes.

To maintain the blood glucose level at a steady level throughout theday, e.g., before and after meals and during the sleep with prolongedfasting hours, medications with different onset, peak and duration ofthe treatment effects are used. For example, according to the U.S. Foodand Drug Administration (FDA), there are four types of insulintreatments, including (i) rapid-acting insulin that starts to functionin just 15 minutes after taken and peaks within 30 to 90 minutes whilelasting for three to five hours, (ii) short-acting insulin that takesabout 30 to 60 minutes to become active and peaks in two to four hourswhile lasting for five to eight hours, (iii) intermediate-acting insulinthat takes one to three hours to start functioning and peaks in eighthours while lasting for 12 to 16 hours, and (iv) long-acting insulinthat takes the longest amount of time to start functioning but can lastup to 24 hours.

Despite a variety of treatment options, managing glucose metabolismdisorders still poses a problem. Patients do not always reach theirglycemic targets, and adherence to a treatment plan that relies onfrequent and meal-specific dosing leaves room for human error.Treatments with long-acting effects are preferable because the number ofinjections in the treatment for glucose level control is less, improvingthe quality of patients' lives and their compliance with the treatment.However, the current longest acting insulin is 42 hours and stillrequires a daily injection.

Therefore, there is still an unmet need for compositions and methodsuseful for long-acting therapy of glucose metabolism disorders.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure provides a beta-lactamcompound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof that may preventor treat a glucose metabolism disorder with a long-acting effect.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for long-actingprevention or treatment of glucose metabolism disorders in a subject inneed thereof is provided. The method comprises administering to thesubject an effective amount of the beta-lactam compound or thepharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the beta-lactam compoundfor use in long-acting prevention or treatment of a glucose metabolismdisorder is a compound represented by formula (I) or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof:

wherein:

R₁ and R₃ are independently H or a substituted or unsubstituted moietyselected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,hydroxyalkyl, fluoroalkyl, chloroalkyl, bromoalkyl, iodoalkyl,perfluoroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, carboxyl,aralkyl, aralkenyl, aralkynyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaralkenyl,heteroaralkynyl, heterocyclyl, acyl, benzyl, phenyl, aminocarbonyl,aminoalkyl, amino, hydroxyl, alkoxy, acyloxy, silyloxy, amido, imidoyl,carbamoyl, halo, thio, thioether, sulfo, sulfonic, sulfamoyl, thiazolyl,thiazolidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, triazolyl, azetidinyl andsulfonamido;

R₂ is H or (C1-C6)-alkyl; and

R₄ is H or (C1-C6)-alkyl or alkali-metal or alkali earth-metal, whereinthe alkali-metal or the alkali earth-metal is sodium, potassium,lithium, cesium, rubidium, barium, calcium or magnesium.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the compound of formula (I)may be a compound represented by formula (II) below:

wherein R is defined as R₁ above, and R₂ and R₃ are as defined above.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the formula (I) or (II),R₃ may be represented by one of formulas (I-a) to (I-l) below:

wherein:

R₉ and R₁₃ are independently H or (C1-C6)-alkyl or alkali-metal oralkali earth-metal, wherein the alkali-metal or the alkali earth-metalis sodium, potassium, lithium, cesium, rubidium, barium, calcium ormagnesium;

R₁₀ and R₁₁ are independently H, halo, cyano, (C1-C6)-alkyl, nitro,hydroxy, carboxy, (C1-C6)-alkoxy, (C1-C6)-alkoxycarbonyl,aminosulphonyl, (C1-C6)-alkylaminosulphonyl,di-(C1-C6)-alkylaminosulphonyl, carbamoyl, (C1-C6)-alkylcarbamoyl,di-(C1-C6)-alkylcarbamoyl, trifluoromethyl, sulphonic acid, amino,(C1-C6)-alkylamino, di-(C1-C6)-alkylamino, (C1-C6)-alkanoylamino,(C1-C6)-alkanoyl(N—(C1-C6)-alkyl)amino, (C1-C6)-alkanesulphonamido, or(C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)_(n), wherein n is 0 to 2; and

R₁₂ is H or (C1-C6)-alkyl.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the compound of formula(II) may be a compound represented by following formula:

wherein R is defined as R₁ above.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the compound for use in long-actingprevention or treatment of a glucose metabolism disorder is a compoundrepresented by formula (III) or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof:

wherein:

R′ is H or a substituted or unsubstituted moiety selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxyalkyl, fluoroalkyl,chloroalkyl, bromoalkyl, iodoalkyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, phenyl,phenoxyl, benzyl, naphthalenyl, isoxazolyl, piperazinyl, oxopiperazinyl,pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridiazinyl, heteroaryl, pyridinyl,cyclopentapyridinyl, quinolinyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, carboxyl,aralkyl, aralkenyl, aralkynyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaralkenyl,heteroaralkynyl, heterocyclyl, acyl, aminocarbonyl, aminoalkyl, amino,imino, alkylamino, imidazolyl, oxoimidazolidinyl, cyano, furanyl,hydroxyl, alkoxy, acyloxy, silyloxy, amido, imidoyl, carbamoyl,triazinanyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, halo, thio, thioether, thienyl,thietanyl, thiophenyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, sulfo, sulfanyl,sulfonyl, phosphonic, sulfonic and sulfonamido;

R₅ is H or a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy; and

R₆ is connected with R₇ to form a substituted or unsubstituted 5- or6-membered heterocycle.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the compound of formula(III) may be a compound represented by following formula:

wherein R′ and R₅ are as defined above, and R₈ is defined as R′.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the formula (IIIA), R′is a substituted moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl,hydroxyalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and aralkyl.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the formula (IIIB), R₅is H or methoxy, and R₈ is a substituted moiety selected from the groupconsisting of heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, alkoxy, and thio.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the beta-lactam compoundfor use in long-acting prevention or treatment of a glucose metabolismdisorder may be one or more of penicillins, cephalosporins, andcarbapenems. In another embodiment, the beta-lactam compound is selectedfrom the group consisting of ertapenem, doripenem, imipenem, meropenem,biapenem, panipenem, tomopenem, lenapenem, tebipenem, razupenem,thienpenem, penicillin G, penicillin O, penicillin N, penicillin K,penicillin V, phenethicillin, propacillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin,azlocillin, carbenicillin, epicillin, methicillin, mezlocillin,oxacillin, piperacillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin,sulbenicillin, ticarcillin, nafcillin, metampicillin, oxacillin,ceftriaxone, cefalotin, cefoxitin, cefotetan, ceftazidime, cefotaxime,cefepime, cefacetrile, cefadroxil, cefalexin, cefaloglycin, cefalonium,cefaloridine, cefapirin, cefatrizine, cefazaflur, cefazedone, cefazolin,cefradine, cefroxadine, ceftezole, cefaclor, cefonicid, cefprozil,cefuroxime, cefuzonam, cefmetazole, cefbuperazone, cefminox, cefotiam,cefcapene, cefdaloxime, cefdinir, cefditoren, cefetamet, cefixime,cefmenoxime, cefodizime, cefovecin, cefpimizole, cefpodoxime, cefteram,ceftibuten, ceftiofur, ceftiolene, ceftizoxime, cefoperazone,cefclidine, cefiderocol, cefluprenam, cefoselis, cefozopran, cefpirome,cefquinome, ceftobiprole, ceftaroline, ceftolozane, cefaparole,cefmatilen, cefsumide and a combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the long-acting preventionor treatment of a glucose metabolism disorder is prevention or treatmentof a symptom of the glucose metabolism disorder for more than two daysafter the administration of the compound (i.e., medication of thecompound is stopped). In another embodiment, the long-acting effect onprevention or treatment of the glucose metabolism disorder lasts for atleast one week after the administration of the compound. In yet anotherembodiment, the long-acting effect lasts for at least 6 weeks after theadministration of the compound. In still another embodiment, thelong-acting effect lasts for 6 to 10 weeks after the administration ofthe compound.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the glucose metabolismdisorder is obesity, overweight, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia,glucose intolerance, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes. In anotherembodiment, the glucose metabolism disorder is hyperglycemia, and theadministration reduces a plasma glucose level in the subject. In yetanother embodiment, the glucose metabolism disorder is glucoseintolerance, and the administration increases glucose tolerance in thesubject.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the subject is mammal. Inanother embodiment, the subject is human.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the subject suffers fromtype 1 diabetes. In another embodiment, the subject suffers from type 2diabetes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the blood glucose concentrations at week 3 after treatmentof ertapenem. DB: db/db mice orally fed with distilled water andintraperitoneally injected (i.p.) with a saline solution. DB+DMH: db/dbmice treated with ertapenem (0.41 mg/g bw/day), i.p.

FIG. 2 shows the histology of different tissues after treatment ofertapenem. DB: db/db mice orally fed with distilled water andintraperitoneally injected (i.p.) with a saline solution. DB+DMH: db/dbmice treated with ertapenem (0.41 mg/g bw/day), i.p. Scale bar: 40 μm.EFP: epididymal fat pads.

FIG. 3 illustrates the scheme of the treatment time, mouse ages and dataacquisition time. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is measured at the weeksindicated with OneTouch UltraEasy. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)was done at the weeks indicated with syringes. The levels of someinflammatory markers of liver and kidney were assayed at week 19(indicated with an arrow). All medications were stopped at week 6.

FIG. 4 shows the blood glucose concentrations at weeks 6, 12, 16, and 18after treatment.

: m/m mice orally fed with distilled water and intraperitoneallyinjected (i.p.) with a saline solution.

: db/db mice treated the same as m/m mice.

: db/db mice orally administrated with metformin (MET) (0.3 mg/gbw/day).

db/db mice treated with ertapenem (0.1 mg/g bw/day), i.p.

: db/db mice treated with ertapenem (0.2 mg/g bw/day), i.p.

: db/db mice treated with ertapenem (0.4 mg/g bw/day), i.p.

FIG. 5 shows the histology of four different tissues after treatment.G1: m/m mice, water ad libitum, saline, i.p. (10 μL/g bw) daily; G2:db/db mice, water ad libitum, saline, i.p. (10 μL/g bw) daily; G3: db/dbmice, metformin (MET) orally (0.3 mg/g bw/day); G4: db/db mice,ertapenem, i.p. (0.1 mg/g bw/day); G5: db/db mice, ertapenem, i.p. (0.2mg/g bw/day); G6: db/db mice, ertapenem, i.p. (0.4 mg/g bw/day). Scalebar: 40 μm. EFP: epididymal fat pads.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the blood glucose concentrations at week 6 (FIG.6A) and week 9 (FIG. 6B) after treatment.

: m/m mice orally fed with distilled water and intraperitoneallyinjected (i.p.) with a saline solution.

: db/db mice treated the same as m/m mice.

: db/db mice treated with ertapenem (DMH) (0.41 mg/g bw/day), i.p.

: db/db mice treated with meropenem hydrate (MER) (0.205 mg/g bw/day),i.p.

: db/db mice treated with ceftriaxone (CEFT) (0.82 mg/g bw/day), i.p.

: db/db mice treated with penicillin G (PEN) (1.473 mg/g bw/day).

: db/db mice treated with tienam (TIE) (0.41 mg/g bw/day).

: db/db mice orally administrated with metformin (MET) (0.3 mg/gbw/day).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following examples are used for illustrating the present disclosure.A person skilled in the art can easily conceive the other advantages andeffects of the present disclosure, based on the disclosure of thespecification. The present disclosure can also be implemented or appliedas described in different examples. It is possible to modify or alterthe following examples for carrying out this disclosure withoutcontravening its spirit and scope, for different aspects andapplications.

It is further noted that, as used in this disclosure, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless expressly andunequivocally limited to one referent. The term “or” is usedinterchangeably with the term “and/or” unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

The term “patient” or “subject” as used interchangeably herein in thecontext of therapy refers to a human or a non-human animal, as therecipient of a therapy or preventive care.

The phrase “glucose tolerance” as used herein refers to the ability of asubject to control the level of plasma glucose and/or plasma insulinwhen glucose intake fluctuates. For example, glucose toleranceencompasses the ability to reduce the level of plasma glucose back to alevel before the intake of glucose within about 120 minutes or so.

The phrase “prediabetes” as used herein refers to a condition that maybe determined by using either the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test orthe oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Both require a person to fastovernight. In the FPG test, a person's blood glucose is measured firstin the morning before eating. In the OGTT, a person's blood glucose ischecked after fasting and again at 2 hours after drinking a glucose-richdrink. In a healthy individual, a normal test result of FPG wouldindicate a glucose level of below about 100 mg/dL. A subject withprediabetes would have an FPG level between about 100 mg/dL and about125 mg/dL. If the blood glucose level rises to about 126 mg/dL or above,the subject is determined to have “diabetes.” In the OGTT, the subject'sblood glucose is measured after a fast and at 2 hours after drinking aglucose-rich beverage. Normal blood glucose in a healthy individual isbelow about 140 mg/dL at 2 hours after the drink. In a prediabetessubject, the 2-hour blood glucose is about 140 mg/dL to about 199 mg/dL.If the 2-hour blood glucose rises to 200 mg/dL or above, the subject isdetermined to have “diabetes.”

The present disclosure provides a method to treat a patient sufferingfrom hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, etc. Suchconditions are also commonly associated with many other glucosemetabolism disorders. As such, patients of glucose metabolism disorderscan be candidates for therapy according to the methods of the presentdisclosure.

The phrase “glucose metabolism disorder” encompasses any disordercharacterized by a clinical symptom or a combination of clinicalsymptoms that are associated with an elevated level of glucose and/or anelevated level of insulin in a subject relative to a healthy individual.Elevated levels of glucose and/or insulin may be manifested in thefollowing disorders and/or conditions: type 2 diabetes (e.g.,insulin-resistance diabetes), gestational diabetes, insulin resistance,impaired glucose tolerance, hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucosemetabolism, prediabetes, metabolic disorders (such as metabolic syndromewhich is also referred to as syndrome X), obesity, or obesity-relateddisorder.

An example of a suitable patient may be one who is hyperglycemic and/orhyperinsulinemic and who is also diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (e.g.,type 2 diabetes). “Diabetes” refers to a progressive disease ofcarbohydrate metabolism involving inadequate production or utilizationof insulin and is characterized by hyperglycemia and glycosuria.

The term “hyperglycemia” as used herein is a condition in which anelevated amount of glucose circulates in the blood plasma relative to ahealthy individual and can be diagnosed using methods known in the art.For example, hyperglycemia may be diagnosed as having a fasting bloodglucose level between 5.6 mM to 7 mM (prediabetes), or greater than 7 mM(diabetes).

The term “hyperinsulinemia” as used herein is a condition in which thereare elevated levels of circulating insulin while blood glucose levelsmay either be elevated or remain normal. Hyperinsulinemia can be causedby insulin resistance which is associated with dyslipidemia such as hightriglycerides, high cholesterol, high low density lipoprotein (LDL) andlow high density lipoprotein (HDL), high uric acids, polycystic ovarysyndrome, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Hyperinsulinemia can be diagnosedas having a plasma insulin level higher than about 2 μU/mL.

A patient having any of the above disorders may be a suitable candidatein need of a therapy in accordance with the present disclosure so as toreceive treatment for glucose metabolism disorders. Administering theβ-lactam compounds of the present disclosure in such subject may restoreglucose homeostasis and may also decrease one or more of symptomsassociated with the disorders.

Candidates for treatment using the methods of the present disclosure maybe determined using diagnostic methods known in the art, e.g. byassaying plasma glucose and/or insulin levels. Candidates for treatmentinclude those who have exhibited or are exhibiting higher than normallevels of plasma glucose/insulin. Such patients include those who have afasting blood glucose concentration (where the test is done after 8 to10 hour fast) of higher than about 100 mg/dL, e.g., higher than about110 mg/dL, higher than about 120 mg/dL, about 150 mg/dL up to about 200mg/dL or more. Individuals suitable to be treated also include those whohave a 2 hour postprandial blood glucose concentration or aconcentration after a glucose tolerance test (e.g., 2 hours afteringestion of a glucose-rich drink), in which the concentration is higherthan about 140 mg/dL, e.g., higher than about 150 mg/dL up to 200 mg/dLor more. Glucose concentration may also be presented in the unit ofmmol/L, which can be acquired by dividing mg/dL by a factor of 18.

Subjects having, suspected of having, or at the risk of developing aglucose metabolism disorder are contemplated for therapy describedherein.

The term “treatment” as used herein refers to a situation that at leastan amelioration of the symptoms associated with the condition afflictingthe subject is achieved, where amelioration refers to at least areduction in the magnitude of a parameter, e.g., a symptom, associatedwith the condition being treated. As such, the treatment includes asituation where the condition, or at least a symptom associatedtherewith, is reduced or avoided. The treatment includes: (i) asinterchangeable with prevention, reducing the risk of development ofclinical symptoms, including causing the clinical symptoms not todevelop, e.g., preventing disease progression to a harmful or otherwiseundesired state; and (ii) inhibition, that is, arresting the developmentor further development of clinical symptoms, e.g., mitigating orcompletely inhibiting an active disease (e.g., decreasing the level ofinsulin and/or glucose in the bloodstream, increasing glucose toleranceto minimize fluctuation of glucose levels, and/or protecting againstdiseases caused by disruption of glucose homeostasis).

The methods relating to disorders of the glucose metabolism describedherein include, for example, use of the β-lactam compounds describedabove for therapy alone or in combination with other types of therapy.The method involves administering to a subject a β-lactam compound ofthe present disclosure (e.g., subcutaneously, intramuscularly, orintravenously). As noted above, the methods are useful in the context oftreating or preventing a wide variety of disorders related to glucosemetabolism.

The methods of the present disclosure involve administering a β-lactamcompound of the present disclosure in a subject who has a glucosemetabolism disorder. The methods of the present disclosure includeadministering a compound represented by formula (I), (II), or (III) asdisclosed above in the context of a variety of conditions including thedisorders as exemplified above (in both prevention and post-diagnosistherapy).

In one embodiment, the β-lactam compound of the present disclosure foruse in long-acting prevention or treatment of a glucose metabolismdisorder may be carbapenems represented by formula (IIA), (IIB), (IIC),or (IID), such as ertapenem, doripenem, imipenem, meropenem, biapenem,and panipenem.

In one embodiment, the β-lactam compound of the present disclosure foruse in long-acting prevention or treatment of a glucose metabolismdisorder may be penicillins represented by formula (IIIA), such aspenicillin G, penicillin O, penicillin N, penicillin K, penicillin V,phenethicillin, propacillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, azlocillin,carbenicillin, epicillin, methicillin, mezlocillin, oxacillin,piperacillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin, sulbenicillin,ticarcillin, nafcillin, metampicillin, and oxacillin.

In one embodiment, the β-lactam compound of the present disclosure foruse in long-acting prevention or treatment of a glucose metabolismdisorder may be cephalosporins represented by formula (IIIB), such asceftriaxone, cefalotin, cefoxitin, cefotetan, ceftazidime, cefotaxime,cefepime, cefacetrile, cefadroxil, cefalexin, cefaloglycin, cefalonium,cefaloridine, cefapirin, cefatrizine, cefazaflur, cefazedone, cefazolin,cefradine, cefroxadine, ceftezole, cefaclor, cefonicid, cefprozil,cefuroxime, cefuzonam, cefmetazole, cefbuperazone, cefminox, cefotiam,cefcapene, cefdaloxime, cefdinir, cefditoren, cefetamet, cefixime,cefmenoxime, cefodizime, cefovecin, cefpimizole, cefpodoxime, cefteram,ceftibuten, ceftiofur, ceftiolene, ceftizoxime, cefoperazone,cefclidine, cefiderocol, cefluprenam, cefoselis, cefozopran, cefpirome,cefquinome, ceftobiprole, ceftaroline, ceftolozane, cefaparole,cefmatilen, and cefsumide.

In the methods of the present disclosure, the β-lactam compound may beadministered in a form of a pharmaceutical composition. Thepharmaceutical composition may comprise one or more of the β-lactamcompounds described herein and/or an additional therapeutic agent forthe disorder as exemplified above. The pharmaceutical composition may beadministered to a subject (e.g., a human patient) to, for example,achieve and/or maintain glucose homeostasis, e.g., to reduce a glucoselevel in the bloodstream and/or to reduce an insulin level to a rangefound in a healthy individual. Subjects for treatment include thosehaving a glucose metabolism disorder as described herein.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of the presentdisclosure further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,diluent, excipient, or solvate, and may be prepared in suitable dosageforms. Examples of suitable dosage forms are tablets, capsules, coatedtablets, granules, solutions and syrups for oral administration;medicated plasters, pastes, creams and ointments for transdermaladministration; suppositories for rectal administration; and sterilesolutions for administration via the injection or aerosol route.

Other examples of suitable dosage forms are those with sustained releaseand based on, e.g., liposomes, for administration via either the oral orinjection route.

The dosage forms may also contain other conventional ingredients, forinstance, a preserving agent, a stabilizer, a surfactant, a buffer, anosmotic pressure-regulating salt, an emulsifier, a sweetener, acolorant, a flavoring agent and the like.

In addition, when required for particular therapies, the pharmaceuticalcomposition according to the present disclosure may also contain otherpharmacologically active ingredients whose simultaneous administrationis useful.

The amount of the beta-lactam compound according to the presentdisclosure may vary within a wide range based on, for instance, the typeof disease to be treated, the severity of the disease, the body weightof the patient, the dosage form, the selected route of administration,the number of daily administrations, and the efficacy of the selectedbeta-lactam compound. However, a person skilled in the art may determinethe optimum amount in a simple and routine manner based on the presentdisclosure as needed.

In the methods of the present disclosure, a therapeutically effectiveamount of the beta-lactam compound is administered to a subject in needthereof. That is to say, the beta-lactam compound causes the level ofplasma glucose and/or insulin to return to a normal level relative to ahealthy individual when the compound is delivered to the bloodstream inan effective amount to a patient who previously did not have a normallevel of glucose/insulin relative to a healthy individual prior to beingtreated. The amount administered varies depending upon the goal of theadministration, the health and physical condition and age of theindividual to be treated, the activity of the compounds employed, thetreating clinician's assessment of the medical situation, the conditionof the subject, the body weight of the subject, the severity of thedysregulation of glucose/insulin and the stage of the disease, and otherrelevant factors. The size of the dose will also be determined by theexistence, nature, and extent of any adverse side-effects that mightaccompany the administration of the compound.

It is expected that the amount will fall in a relatively broad rangethat may be determined through routine trials. For example, the amountof the compound employed to restore glucose homeostasis is not more thanabout the amount that could otherwise be irreversibly toxic to thesubject (i.e., the maximum tolerated dose). In other cases, the amountis around or even well below the toxic threshold, but still in aneffective concentration range, or even as low as the threshold dose.

Also, suitable doses and dosage regimens may be determined bycomparisons to indicators of glucose metabolism. Such dosages includedosages which result in the stabilized levels of glucose and insulin,for example, comparable to a healthy individual, without significantside effects. Dosage treatment may be a single dose schedule or amultiple dose schedule (e.g., including ramp and maintenance doses). Asindicated below, a pharmaceutical composition may be administered inconjunction with other agents, and thus doses and regiments may vary inthis context as well to suit the needs of the subject.

Individual doses are typically not less than an amount required toproduce a measurable effect on the subject, and may be determined basedon the pharmacokinetics and pharmacology for absorption, distribution,metabolism, and excretion (“ADME”) of the compounds or theirby-products, and thus based on the disposition of the composition withinthe subject. This includes consideration of the route of administrationas well as dosage amount, which may be adjusted for enteral (applied viathe digestive tract for systemic or local effects when retained in partof the digestive tract) or parenteral (applied by routes other than thedigestive tract for systemic or local effects) applications. Forinstance, administration of the compounds is typically via injection andoften intravenous, intramuscular, or a combination thereof.

The phrase “in an effective amount” means that there is a detectabledifference between a level of an indicator measured before and afteradministration of the amount of a particular therapy. Indicators includebut are not limited to glucose and insulin. For example, it may meanthat the administration of that amount to an individual, either in asingle dose, as part of a series of the same or different compositions,is effective to help restore homeostasis of glucose metabolism asassessed by glucose and/or insulin levels in a subject. As noted above,the therapeutically effective amount may be adjusted in connection withdosing regimen and diagnostic analysis of the subject's condition (e.g.,monitoring for the levels of glucose and/or insulin in the plasma) andthe like.

The dosage forms of the pharmaceutical composition according to thepresent disclosure may be prepared according to techniques that are wellknown to pharmaceutical chemists, including mixing, granulation,compression, dissolution, sterilization and the like.

The term “long-acting” or “long-acting effect” as used interchangeablyherein as an effect on preventing or treating a glucose metabolismdisorder lasting for at least 24 hours, at least 48 hours, at least 72hours, at least 96 hours, at least one week, at least two weeks, atleast three weeks, at least four weeks, at least five weeks, at leastsix weeks, at least seven weeks, at least eight weeks, at least nineweeks, at least ten weeks, at least eleven weeks, or at least twelveweeks even after the medication of the β-lactam compound is stopped tobe administered. In one embodiment, the β-lactam compounds of thepresent disclosure are not only useful for preventing or treating aglucose metabolism disorder, but also exhibit a long-acting effect onpreventing or treating a glucose metabolism disorder even afteradministering to the subject in need thereof, wherein the long-actingeffect may last for at least two days, at least one week, at least twoweeks, at least three weeks, at least four weeks, at least five weeks,at least six weeks, at least seven weeks, at least eight weeks, at leastnine weeks, at least ten weeks, at least eleven weeks or at least twelveweeks.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinaryskill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how tomake and use the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit thescope of what to be regarded as the invention nor to represent that theexperiments below are all or the only experiments performed. Effortshave been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g.,amounts, weights, temperature, etc.) but some experimental errors anddeviations should be accounted for.

Materials and Methods

The materials and methods used in the following examples were describedin detail below. The materials used in the present disclosure butunannotated herein are commercially available.

(1) Animals

In the following examples, leptin receptor gene (Lepr) defective db/dbmice that exhibit insulin resistance similar to patients with type 2diabetes are used to investigate the effects of candidate compounds inthe regulation of blood glucose homeostasis.

Four to five weeks old db/db mice (BKS.Cg-Dock7^(m)+/+Lepr^(db)/JNarl)and m/m mice (BKS.Cg-Dock7^(m)+/Dock7^(m)+) were obtained from NationalLaboratory Animal Center (Nangang, Taipei, Taiwan). These animals weremaintained in a facility with a 12-h dark-light cycle at 24±2° C. and65±5% humidity and were provided food (No. 5001; PMI NutritionInternational, Brentwood, Mo.) and water ad libitum. For experiments,the average body weight of m/m mice was approximately 20 g, and that ofdb/db mice was approximately 30 g.

The mouse body weight (bw) and the amounts of water and food intake wererecorded weekly for the entire study period.

(2) Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Measurement

For each mouse, blood was sampled from the tail vein and measured forFPG levels using a blood glucose meter (OneTouch UltraEasy, Johnson &Johnson, USA) at a predestined time point.

(3) Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

For OGTT, all mice were fasted for 16 hours before test, but water wasprovided ad libitum. Blood was sampled from the tail vein, and FPGlevels were measured and recorded as the basic blood glucose levels.After FPG measurements, mice were orally given with 2 mg/g of glucose (a20% glucose solution) and measured for blood glucose levels at 15, 30,60, and 120 mins after feeding. The total area under the curve (AUC) inOGTT was plotted and calculated by the Area Under Coordinates Program(StatsToDo Server, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ChineseUniversity of Hong Kong).

(4) Other Analyses

Inflammatory markers such as serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST),alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine(Cr), and hemoglobin Alc (HbAlc) were measured using a BMC-Hitachi 717chemistry auto analyzer.

For histopathological assessment, all mice were sacrificed by 95% CO₂asphyxiation at the end of the study period. Their brain, liver, kidney,pancreas, and epididymal fat pads were removed, fixed in 10%phosphate-buffered formalin, and embedded in paraffin. Tissues embeddedin paraffin were cut into 4-rpm-thick sections that were then stainedwith hematoxylin-eosin (i.e., H&E stain).

(5) Statistical Analysis

Results calculated from at least 6 mice in each experimental group wereshown as means±SEM. A P value<0.05 was considered significant (ANOVAfollowed by Duncan's test). Medical treatments were considered effective(P value<0.05) in decreasing blood glucose levels if the FPG levelsafter treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment, orif the values of oral glucose tolerance (OGT) after treatment weresignificantly higher than those before treatment.

Example 1: Effect of Ertapenem Treatment on a Glucose MetabolismDisorder

In this example, the effect of ertapenem (hereinafter also abbreviatedas “DMH”) on a glucose metabolism disorder is investigated in comparisonwith metformin (Met), a known first line pharmacotherapy for treatingtype 2 diabetes.

Twelve 7- or 8-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into 2 groups,and intraperitoneally injected (i.p.) with or without ertapenem (i.e.,the DB+DMH or DB groups, respectively). The treatments of each groupwere specifically explained in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Mice were divided into 2 groups for different treatments GroupMice Used Treatment DB 6 m/m mice Saline, i.p. (10 μL/g body weight(bw)/day) DB + DMH 6 db/db mice Ertapenem, i.p. (0.41 mg/g bw/day)

Each mouse was treated with saline or ertapenem intraperitoneally once aday, and such the treatments lasted for a total three weeks. The testsand results were described as follows.

(1-1) Ertapenem Treatment Reduced the Food and Water Intake

As shown in Table 2 below, it was found that the mice treated withertapenem (i.e., the DB+DMH group) had the reduced food and water intakeduring the entire study period (P<0.05). This result clearly showed thatertapenem is effective in controlling the food and water intake ofdiabetes mice.

TABLE 2 Average food and water intake among mouse groups Week Dietintake Water intake Groups (g/mice/day) (mL/mice/day) DB 5.8 ± 1 13.3±2.7 DB + DMH 5.0 ± 0.9*  6.8 ± 1.6* *P < 0.05

(1-2) Ertapenem Treatment Increased Oral Glucose Tolerance

OGTT was performed at week 3, i.e., the end of the ertapenem treatment.As shown in FIG. 1, the glucose concentration in the DB+DMH group wassignificantly lower than that in the DB group at time points of 90 minand 120 min.

Further, the total area under the curve (AUC) in OGTT was plotted andcalculated as shown in Table 3. Results showed that the AUC ofertapenem-treated mice (DB+DMH group) was significantly smaller (P<0.05)than that of untreated mice (DB group).

TABLE 3 OGTT AUCs of two mouse groups Week Groups 3 Weeks DB 1666 ± 81DB + DMH 1298 ± 186* *P < 0.05

(1-3) Plasma Biochemical Parameter Analysis

AST and ALT, formerly called as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), respectively, areinflammatory markers of the liver. BUN and Cr are inflammatory markersof the kidney. These markers and HbAlc were measured at week 3, i.e.,the end of the ertapenem treatment. The results were reported in Table4. It was found that the levels of AST, ALT, BUN, and HbAlc in thediabetes mice were significantly reduced by treating with ertapenem.

TABLE 4 Plasma biochemical parameters in mice of two mouse groups WeekAST ALT BUN Creatinine HbA1c Groups (U/L) (U/L) (mg/dL) (mg/dL) (%) DB99 ± 21 71 ± 14 36 ± 3 0.54 ± 0.02 7.6 ± 0.5 DB + DMH 61 ± 7* 34 ± 6* 27± 2* 0.57 ± 0.02* 6.1 ± 0.8* *P < 0.05

(1-4) Histological Change of Ertapenem Treatment

At the end of the study period, all mice were sacrificed and theirbrains, livers, kidneys, pancreases, and epididymal fat pads (EFP) werecollected and examined histologically for injuries.

As shown in FIG. 2, results indicated no histological changes in thepancreases, the epididymal fat pads, and the brains of all mice.

Further, in liver tissues of the two groups, very slight to slightlevels of glycogen storage were observed in the hepatocyte cytoplasmaround the central venous region. The severity and incidence of suchglycogen storage in the DB+DMH group is slighter than that in the DBgroup.

In kidney tissues, degeneration and necrosis of renal tubular epithelialcells, mineralization deposition, and hyaline cast were observed in somemice, while the severity and incidence of such histological changes werenot significantly different between the two groups.

Overall, no significant injuries in brain, liver, kidney, pancreas, andepididymal fat pads were observed after ertapenem treatment.

Example 2: Effect of Ertapenem Treatment on a Glucose MetabolismDisorder after the Treatment has been Stopped

To examine the effects of ertapenem and metformin (Met) treatments afterthe treatment has been stopped, eight 8-week-old m/m mice were used asthe normal control (G1), and forty 8-week-old db/db mice were randomlydivided into 5 groups (G2 to G6). Each group receives differenttreatments as explained in Table 5 below.

TABLE 5 Mice were divided into 6 groups for different treatments GroupMice Used Treatment G1 8 m/m mice Saline, i.p. (10 μL/g bw/day) G2 8db/db mice Saline, i.p. (10 μL/g bw/day) G3 8 db/db mice Metformin, oral(0.3 mg/g bw/day) G4 8 db/db mice Ertapenem, i.p. (0.1 mg/g bw/day) G5 8db/db mice Ertapenem, i.p. (0.2 mg/g bw/day) G6 8 db/db mice Ertapenem,i.p. (0.4 mg/g bw/day)

The treatments lasted for a total of six weeks and all medications werestopped after six weeks. The tests were carried out at the time pointswith corresponding mouse age as illustrated in the scheme in FIG. 3. Thetests and results were described as follows.

(2-1) Ertapenem Treatments Lowered Body Weight

As shown in Table 6 below, it was found that G1 mice had the lowest bodyweight during the entire study period (P<0.05). No significant changesin body weight were found among metformin treated mice (G3) and othertesting mouse groups.

However, G4 mice had significant lower body weight than G2 and G3 miceduring weeks 2 to 9, and G6 mice had lower body weight than G2 mice (atweeks 3 to 7 and 9) and G3 mice (during weeks 3 to 9). These data showedthat ertapenem treatments (0.1 mg/g bw and 0.4 mg/g bw) had positiveeffects of body weight lowering in db/db mice. This effect occurredbecause db/db mice reduced their food and water intake under ertapenemtreatment.

TABLE 6 Body weight among mouse groups # Week Groups Baseline 1 2 3 4 56 G1: m/m mice 19.26 ± 0.21^(a) 19.17 ± 0.16^(a) 20.33 ± 0.21^(a) 20.63± 0.25^(a) 20.84 ± 0.26^(a) 20.98 ± 0.27^(a) 21.04 ± 0.23^(a) G2: db/dbmice 31.16 ± 0.55^(b) 31.15 ± 0.61^(b) 33.61 ± 0.51^(c) 36.79 ± 0.56^(d)37.59 ± 0.86^(c) 39.88 ± 1.05^(c) 40.85 ± 1.35^(cd) G3: db/db mice +31.17 ± 0.47^(b) 30.81 ± 0.48^(b) 32.61 ± 0.46^(bc) 35.97 ± 0.57^(cd)37.47 ± 0.79^(c) 40.15 ± 0.93^(c) 41.82 ± 0.98^(d) 0.3 Met G4: db/dbmice + 29.44 ± 2.09^(b) 29.21 ± 2.01^(b) 29.95 ± 1.79^(b) 32.38 ±1.38^(b) 33.49 ± 1.13^(b) 35.72 ± 1.01^(b) 36.73 ± 0.95^(b) 0.1 DMH G5:db/db mice + 31.70 ± 1.46^(b) 31.31 ± 1.48^(b) 31.81 ± 1.12^(bc) 34.36 ±0.75^(bc) 35.55 ± 0.61^(bc) 37.76 ± 0.49^(bc) 39.06 ± 0.54^(bc) 0.2 DMHG6: db/db mice + 31.61 ± 1.03^(b) 31.23 ± 0.98^(b) 31.62 ± 0.77^(bc)33.98 ± 0.54^(b) 34.29 ± 0.59^(b) 36.44 ± 0.71^(b) 37.16 ± 0.8^(b) 0.4DMH # Week Groups 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 G1: m/m mice 20.76 ± 0.33^(a) 22.15± 0.39^(a) 22.56 ± 0.35^(a) 23.21 ± 0.31^(a) 23.89 ± 0.23^(a) 24.26 ±0.23^(a) 24.43 ± 0.31^(a) G2: db/db mice 40.10 ± 1.52^(cd) 41.00 ±1.75^(bc) 42.09 ± 2.07^(cd) 42.23 ± 2.19^(b) 43.09 ± 2.5^(b) 43.76 ±2.86^(b) 44.22 ± 3.14^(b) G3: db/db mice + 42.38 ± 1.25^(d) 43.04 ±1.54^(d) 43.68 ± 1.58^(d) 43.40 ± 1.4^(b) 44.15 ± 1.37^(b) 45.24 ±1.37^(b) 44.68 ± 1.6^(b) 0.3 Met G4: db/db mice + 36.68 ± 0.83^(b) 37.83± 0.77^(b) 38.46 ± 0.8^(b) 39.43 ± 0.81^(b) 40.86 ± 0.82^(b) 42.59 ±0.87^(b) 44.21 ± 0.99^(b) 0.1 DMH G5: db/db mice + 39.07 ± 0.45^(bc)39.99 ± 0.39^(bc) 40.63 ± 0.27^(bcd) 41.39 ± 0.29^(b) 42.98 ± 0.35^(b)44.66 ± 0.38^(b) 46.52 ± 0.45^(b) 0.2 DMH G6: db/db mice + 37.16 ±0.93^(b) 38.67 ± 1.24^(b) 39.72 ± 1.36^(bc) 40.81 ± 1.34^(b) 42.61 ±1.31^(b) 44.54 ± 1.63^(b) 45.69 ± 1.86^(b) 0.4 DMH # Week Groups 14 1516 17 18 19 G1: m/m mice 23.07 ± 0.3^(a) 24.41 ± 0.34^(a) 24.54 ±0.33^(a) 24.59 ± 0.38^(a) 24.71 ± 0.41^(a) 23.58 ± 0.37^(a) G2: db/dbmice 43.10 ± 3.17^(b) 45.06 ± 3.23^(b) 46.08 ± 3.33^(b) 45.86 ± 3.36^(b)46.57 ± 3.65^(b) 47.89 ± 3.7^(b) G3: db/db mice + 43.94 ± 1.54^(b) 46.46± 1.39^(b) 47.68 ± 1.32^(b) 48.31 ± 1.38^(b) 49.57 ± 1.47^(b) 51.98 ±1.66^(b) 0.3 DMH G4: db/db mice + 43.56 ± 1.08^(b) 45.90 ± 1.18^(b)46.80 ± 1.29^(b) 47.21 ± 1.26^(b) 48.14 ± 1.23^(b) 50.91 ± 1.22^(b) 0.1DMH G5: db/db mice + 46.10 ± 0.51^(b) 48.58 ± 0.55^(b) 49.65 ± 0.63^(b)49.96 ± 0.68^(b) 50.71 ± 0.87^(b) 52.73 ± 1.04^(b) 0.2 DMH G6: db/dbmice + 45.08 ± 1.89^(b) 47.29 ± 1.95^(b) 48.79 ± 1.95^(b) 48.99 ±1.87^(b) 50.70 ± 1.87^(b) 53.56 ± 1.99^(b) 0.4 DMH

In Table 6, values of group mean±SEM of body weight were represented andthe difference in value was significant (P<0.05) between differentitalicized letters. For example, when comparing values represented by awith b, there existed statistical significance (P<0.05) in body weightbetween the two; and when comparing values represented by b with c,there existed statistical significance (P<0.05) in body weight betweenthe two as well. In addition, value represented by be was significantlydifferent from values represented by “a” or “d.”

(2-2) Ertapenem Treatments Lowered Blood Glucose Level

FPG measurement was performed at mouse age 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 24, and 26weeks, in which FPG levels of 8 weeks old mice were set as the levels atweek 0. Thus, FPG levels of 11, 14, 17, 20, 24, and 26 weeks old micewere the levels at 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, and 18 weeks, respectively, aftertreatment. The FPG levels of each group of mice were reported in Table 7below

TABLE 7 Average FPG levels of mice # Week Groups 0 3 6 9 12 16 18 G1:m/m mice  55 ± 3^(a)  61 ± 2^(a)  59 ± 4^(a)  76 ± 3^(a)  74 ± 6^(a)  89± 8^(a)  91 ± 4^(a) G2: db/db mice 169 ± 27^(b) 209 ± 34^(c) 331 ±40^(c) 286 ± 31^(cd) 374 ± 58^(d) 221 ± 59^(b) 377 ± 67^(b) G3: db/dbmice + 160 ± 21^(b) 136 ± 13^(b) 222 ± 30^(b) 310 ± 25^(d) 267 ± 43^(cd)215 ± 27^(b) 346 ± 50^(b) 0.3 Met G4: db/db mice + 139 ± 21^(b) 134 ±21^(b) 219 ± 36^(b) 217 ± 37^(bc) 154 ± 30^(ab) 126 ± 43^(ab) 263 ±58^(b) 0.1 DMH G5: db/db mice + 142 ± 20^(b) 158 ± 25^(bc) 166 ± 21^(b)212 ± 30^(bc) 191 ± 42^(bc) 154 ± 56^(ab) 308 ± 51^(b) 0.2 DMH G6: db/dbmice + 141 ± 23^(b) 121 ± 23^(ab) 175 ± 30^(b) 172 ± 27^(b) 166 ±26^(ac) 108 ± 22^(ab) 266 ± 35^(b) 0.4 DMH

In Table 7, values of group means±SEM of FPG levels were shown, and thedifference between the values was significant (P<0.05), as explainedabove.

As shown in Table 7 above, G1 mice had the lowest FPG levels at allmeasurement points (P<0.05).

At week 3, FPG levels of G3, G4, and G6 mice were significantly lowerthan those of G2 mice (P<0.05), suggesting that ertapenem treatments(0.1 mg/g bw and 0.4 mg/g bw) were as effective as metformin (0.3 mg/gbw) in lowering blood glucose levels in db/db mice.

At week 6, FPG levels of G3, G4, G5, and G6 mice were all significantlylower than those of G2 mice (P<0.05), indicating that ertapenem at allconcentrations had a similar effect as metformin (0.3 mg/g bw) on bloodglucose levels in the spontaneous type 2 diabetes db/db mice.

At weeks 9, 12, 16, and 18, FPG levels of metformin-treated mice (G3)were similar to those of untreated db/db mice (G2). This is conceivableas metformin has a plasma half-life of only approximately 6 hours and iscleared from blood within 24 hours.

Surprisingly, at week 9, the FPG levels of G6 mice were significantlylower than those of G2 (P<0.05) and G3 (P=0.0059) mice, and those of G4and G5 mice were also lower than those of G3 mice (P<0.05). At week 12,FPG levels of G4, G5, and G6 mice were still lower than those of G2mice, and there were no significant differences in FPG levels among G4,G5, and G6 mice. These results clearly showed that the effect ofertapenem is long-acting and long lasting.

These results clearly showed that ertapenem was as effective asmetformin in controlling blood glucose levels, and that theblood-glucose-lowering effect of ertapenem lasted for at least 6 weeksin mice even though the treatment of ertapenem was stopped.

(2-3) Ertapenem Treatments Increased Oral Glucose Tolerance

OGTT was performed at 6, 12, 16, and 18 weeks after treatment (mouse age14, 20, 24, and 26 weeks).

As shown in Table 8 and FIG. 4, ertapenem significantly increased oralglucose tolerance (OGT) of db/db mice at most time points at weeks 6 and12. However, no significant changes in OGT were found inmetformin-treated mice at most measurement points, and only slightchanges were observed among the groups of db/db mice at most measurementpoints in weeks 16 and 18.

!TABLE 8 Levels of OGTT among groups at weeks 6, 12, 16, and 18 Week 6 #Time (min) Groups 0 15 30 60 120 G1: m/m  59 ± 4^(a) 223 ± 28^(a) 116 ±16^(a) 143 ± 10^(a)  94 ± 5^(a) mice G2: db/db 331 ± 40^(c) 937 ± 66^(c)986 ± 43^(d) 721 ± 98^(d) 538 ± 91^(d) mice G3: db/db 222 ± 30^(b) 828 ±33^(bc) 832 ± 42^(c) 710 ± 86^(cd) 417 ± 42^(cd) mice + 0.3 Met G4:db/db 219 ± 36^(b) 866 ± 38^(bc) 671 ± 62^(b) 486 ± 57^(b) 286 ± 44^(bc)mice + 0.1 DMH G5: db/db 166 ± 21^(b) 750 ± 57^(b) 618 ± 68^(b) 425 ±63^(b) 316 ± 92^(bc) mice + 0.2 DMH G6: db/db 175 ± 30^(b) 747 ± 38^(b)669 ± 69^(b) 418 ± 56^(b) 223 ± 27^(ab) mice + 0.4 DMH Week 12 # Time(min) Groups 0 15 30 60 120 G1: m/m  74 ± 6^(a) 285 ± 16^(a) 198 ±14^(a) 150 ± 10^(a)  99 ± 7^(a) mice G2: db/db 374 ± 58^(d) 872 ± 15^(b)933 ± 55^(d) 798 ± 79^(c) 610 ± 82^(c) mice G3: db/db 267 ± 43^(cd) 821± 47^(b) 839 ± 40^(cd) 741 ± 51^(c) 564 ± 70^(c) mice G4: db/db 154 ±30^(ab) 866 ± 36^(b) 794 ± 60^(bc) 503 ± 67^(b) 372 ± 83^(b) mice G5:db/db 191 ± 42^(bc) 879 ± 45^(b) 790 ± 40^(bc) 548 ± 69^(b) 440 ±81^(bc) mice G6: db/db 166 ± 26^(ac) 859 ± 50^(b) 698 ± 65^(b) 489 ±55^(b) 324 ± 47^(b) mice Week 16 # Time (min) Groups 0 15 30 60 120 G1:m/m  89 ± 8^(a) 248 ± 24^(a) 155 ± 16^(a) 143 ± 15^(a) 118 ± 10^(a) miceG2: db/db 221 ± 59^(b) 592 ± 58^(b) 727 ± 32^(b) 652 ± 50^(b) 409 ±66^(cd) mice G3: db/db 215 ± 27^(b) 611 ± 24^(b) 703 ± 15^(b) 637 ±27^(b) 444 ± 62^(cd) mice G4: db/db 126 ± 43^(ab) 575 ± 44^(b) 609 ±39^(c) 506 ± 52^(c) 270 ± 65^(bd) mice G5: db/db 154 ± 56^(ab) 619 ±48^(b) 686 ± 34^(bc) 551 ± 52^(bc) 314 ± 54^(bc) mice G6: db/db 108 ±22^(ab) 543 ± 57^(b) 650 ± 29^(bc) 535 ± 43^(bc) 244 ± 35^(ab) mice Week18 # Time (min) Groups 0 15 30 60 120 G1: m/m  91 ± 4^(a) 352 ± 19^(a)193 ± 21^(a) 162 ± 19^(a) 120 ± 10^(a) mice G2: db/db 377 ± 71^(b) 812 ±84^(b) 875 ± 105^(b) 819 ± 115^(b) 679 ± 113^(c) mice G3: db/db 346 ±58^(b) 836 ± 58^(b) 885 ± 73^(b) 769 ± 55^(b) 589 ± 67^(bc) mice G4:db/db 263 ± 58^(b) 785 ± 57^(b) 894 ± 49^(b) 735 ± 47^(b) 447 ± 53^(b)mice G5: db/db 308 ± 51^(b) 943 ± 43^(b) 941 ± 53^(b) 753 ± 70^(b) 541 ±63^(bc) mice G6: db/db 266 ± 35^(b) 872 ± 46^(b) 860 ± 58^(b) 637 ±64^(b) 480 ± 73^(b) mice

In Table 8, values of group means±SEM of OGTT levels were listed. Thedifference between the values was significant (P<0.05) if the italicizedletters in superscript did not overlap, as explained above.

Then, the total area under the curve (AUC) in OGTT was plotted andcalculated as shown in Table 9 below. Results showed that the AUCs ofertapenem-treated mice (G4 and G5) were significantly smaller (P<0.05)than those of metformin-treated mice (G3) and untreated db/db mice (G2)at weeks 6, 12, and 16. There was no statistical significances in AUCsbetween G2 and G3 groups at any measurement points.

TABLE 9 OGTT AUCs of six mouse groups # Week Groups 6 12 16 18 G1: m/mmice  260 ± 13^(a)  317 ± 12^(a)  297 ± 28^(a)  354 ± 29^(a) G2: db/dbmice 1455 ± 132^(c) 1518 ± 120^(d) 1142 ± 101^(c) 1532 ± 186^(b) G3:db/db 1288 ± 93^(c) 1391 ± 94^(cd) 1143 ± 55^(c) 1456 ± 85^(b) mice +0.3 Met G4: db/db 1033 ± 87^(b) 1096 ± 119^(b)  902 ± 85^(b) 1339 ±80^(b) mice + 0.1 DMH G5: db/db  916 ± 110^(b) 1171 ± 117^(bc) 1002 ±88^(bc) 1462 ± 104^(b) mice + 0.2 DMH G6: db/db  884 ± 84^(b) 1026 ±94^(b)  916 ± 68^(b) 1291 ± 118^(b) mice + 0.4 DMH

In Table 9 above, values of group means±SEM of OGTT AUCs were listed andthe difference between the values was significant (P<0.05) if theitalicized letters in superscript did not overlap, as explained above.

These results demonstrated that ertapenem effectively increased the oralglucose tolerance of db/db mice even after the treatment had beenstopped for 10 weeks.

(2-4) Levels of Inflammatory Markers with DMH Treatment

The levels of the inflammation markers were measured at week 19. Bloodglucose (GLU) and creatinine (Cr) were similar among mice in the testgroups (G2 to G6), but were higher than those of G1. No significantchanges of other inflammatory makers were found among mice in the testgroups (G2 to G6).

(2-5) Histological Change after DMH Treatment

Liver, kidney, pancreas, and epididymal fat pad of the mice wereexamined histologically for injuries.

As shown in FIG. 5, results indicated no histological changes in thepancreases of all mice. A trace amount of glycogen was found accumulatedin the hepatocytes surrounding the central vein in db/db mice, but notin m/m mice.

No histological changes were found in the kidneys of m/m mice, butdegeneration and necrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells,mineralization deposition, and hyaline cast were observed in some db/dbmice. These histological changes were more apparent in metformin-treatedmice than in ertapenem-treated mice.

In epididymal fat pads, oil droplets were bigger in db/db mice than inm/m mice, and no histological differences among the groups wereobserved.

No significant injuries in liver, kidney, pancreas, and epididymal fatpads were observed after ertapenem treatment.

Example 3: Effect of Beta-Lactam Compound Treatment on a GlucoseMetabolism Disorder after the Treatment has been Stopped

To examine the effects of beta-lactam compounds after the treatment hasbeen stopped, six 8-week-old m/m mice were used as the normal control(G7), and forty-two 7- or 8-week-old db/db mice were randomly dividedinto 7 groups (G8 to G14). Each group receives different treatments asexplained in Table 10 below.

TABLE 10 Mice were divided into 8 groups for different treatments GroupMice Used Treatment G7 6 m/m mice Saline, i.p. (10 μL/g bw/day) G8 6db/db mice Saline, i.p. (10 μL/g bw/day) G9 6 db/db mice Ertapenem, i.p.(0.41 mg/g bw/day) G10 6 db/db mice Meropenem hydrate, i.p. (0.205 mg/gbw/day) G11 6 db/db mice Ceftriaxone, i.p. (0.82 mg/g bw/day) G12 6db/db mice Penicillin G, i.p. (1.473 mg/g bw/day) G13 6 db/db miceTienam, i.p. (0.41 mg/g bw/day) G14 6 db/db mice Metformin, oral (0.3mg/g bw/day)

Specifically, the treatments received for each group are as followed:

G7: m/m mice, water ad libitum, saline i.p. (10 μL/g bw) daily;

G8: db/db mice, water ad libitum, saline i.p. (10 μL/g bw) daily;

G9: db/db mice, ertapenem (DMH) i.p. (0.41 mg/g bw, equivalent to 0.033g/kg in human) daily;

G10: db/db mice, meropenem hydrate (MER) i.p. (0.205 mg/g bw, equivalentto 0.017 g/kg in human) daily;

G11: db/db mice, ceftriaxone (CEFT) i.p. (0.82 mg/g bw, equivalent to0.067 g/kg in human) daily;

G12: db/db mice, penicillin G (PEN) i.p. (1.473 mg/g bw, equivalent to0.12 g/kg in human) daily;

G13: db/db mice, tienam (TIE) i.p. (0.41 mg/g bw, equivalent to 0.033g/kg in human) daily; and

G14: db/db mice, metformin (MET) oral (0.3 mg/g bw) daily.

The treatments lasted for a total of three weeks; that is to say, allmedications were stopped after three weeks. The tests or measurementswere carried out at predestined time points, including the start ofmedication (also annotated as baseline or 0 week), the time point thatthe medication has been performed for 3 weeks (also annotated as week3), the time point that the medication has been stopped for 3 weeks(also annotated as week 6), and the time point that the medication hasbeen stopped for 6 weeks (also annotated as week 9). The tests andresults were described as follows.

(3-1) Effect of Beta-Lactam Compound Treatments on Body Weight

As shown in Table 11 below, it was found that, except for the controlgroup, G12 mice had the lowest body weight during the entire studyperiod (P<0.05).

TABLE 11 Body weight among mouse groups Groups G9 G10 G11 G12 G13 G14 G7G8 db/db + db/db + db/db + db/db + db/db + db/db + Week m/m db/db DMHMER CEFT PEN TIE MET Baseline 19.1 ± 1^(a) 29.6 ± 1^(b) 29.3 ± 1^(b)28.3 ± 1^(b) 30.0 ± 1^(b) 31.1 ± 1^(b) 30.6 ± 2^(b) 28.9 ± 1^(b) Week 320.6 ± 1^(a) 34.6 ± 1^(cd) 33.5 ± 1^(cd) 33.6 ± 1^(cd) 32.9 ± 1^(cd)25.7 ± 1^(b) 31.9 ± 2^(c) 35.9 ± 1^(d) Week 6 22.2 ± 1^(a) 37.7 ± 1^(bc)35.1 ± 1^(b) 37.1 ± 1b^(c) 34.1 ± 2^(b) 24.6 ± 1^(a) 37.7 ± 2^(bc) 39.5± 1^(c) Week 9 23.5 ± 1^(a) 39.5 ± 1^(c) 40.0 ± 1^(c) 38.2 ± 2^(c) 38.8± 2^(c) 32.4 ± 1^(b) 42.6 ± 3^(c) 39.7 ± 1^(c) Final 22.9 ± 1^(a) 37.6 ±1^(c) 38.3 ± 1^(c) 36.0 ± 2^(bc) 37.8 ± 2^(c) 32.2 ± 1^(b) 40.6 ± 3^(c)37.0 ± 1^(c)

In Table 11 above, values of group mean±SEM of body weight wererepresented, and the difference between the values was significant(P<0.05) if the italicized letters in superscript did not overlap, asexplained above.

(3-2) Effect of Beta-Lactam Compound Treatments on Food and Water Intake

As shown in Table 12 below, it was found that the DMH, CEFT, and PENtreatments significantly reduced the food intake in db/db mice (P<0.05),and the DMH, CEFT, TIE, and PEN treatments significantly reduced thewater intake in db/db mice (P<0.05).

TABLE 12 Average food and water intake among mouse groups Intake Dietintake Water intake Groups (g/mice/day) (mL/mice/day) G7: m/m 4.9 ±1^(b)  4.4 ± 1^(a) G8: db/db 6.0 ± 1^(c) 14.7 ± 1^(e) G9: db/db + DMH5.2 ± 1^(b)  8.4 ± 1^(c) G10: db/db + MER 5.9 ± 1^(c) 14.7 ± 1^(e) G11:db/db + CEFT 5.0 ± 1^(b)  7.1 ± 1^(b) G12: db/db + PEN 4.0 ± 0.9^(a) 8.3 ± 4^(c) G13: db/db + TIE 6.8 ± 1^(d)  9.4 ± 1^(c) G14: db/db + MET6.2 ± 1^(c) 12.1 ± 1^(d)

In Table 12 above, values of group mean±SEM of food and water intakewere represented, and the difference between the values was significant(P<0.05) if the italicized letters in superscript did not overlap, asexplained above.

(3-3) Effect of Beta-Lactam Compound Treatments on Oral GlucoseTolerance

OGTT was performed at week 6 and week 9, i.e., the time points that themedication has been stopped for 3 weeks and 6 weeks, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the glucose concentrations in the G9 and G12 groupswere significantly lower than that in the G8 group at the time points of30 min and 60 min; also, as shown in FIG. 6B, the glucose concentrationsin the G9 and G12 groups were significantly lower than that in the G8group at time points of 30 min, 60 min, and 120 min, suggesting that DMHand PEN are still effective in regulation of blood glucose homeostasiseven though the medications had been stopped for at least 3 weeks.

Further, the total AUC in OGTT was plotted and calculated as shown inTable 13 below. Results showed that the AUCs of beta-lactam compoundtreatments (i.e., G9 to G13 group) were smaller (P<0.05) than that ofuntreated mice (G8 group) even after the treatments had been stopped forat least 3 weeks.

TABLE 13 OGTT AUCs of eight mouse groups Week Groups Week 6 Week 9 G7:m/m  267 ± 9^(a)  267 ± 13^(a) G8: db/db 1691 ± 33^(c) 1769 ± 30^(f) G9:db/db + DMH 1263 ± 135^(b) 1356 ± 149^(bc) G10: db/db + MER 1599 ±39^(c) 1648 ± 61^(def) G11: db/db + CEFT 1276 ± 69^(b) 1483 ± 37^(ce)G12: db/db + PEN 1088 ± 91^(b) 1181 ± 69^(b) G13: db/db + TIE 1301 ±109^(b) 1453 ± 101^(cd) G14: db/db + MET 1603 ± 46^(c) 1707 ± 43^(f)

In Table 13 above, values of group mean±SEM of OGTT AUCs were listed,and the difference between the values was significant (P<0.05) if theitalicized letters in superscript did not overlap, as explained above.

(3-4) Plasma Biochemical Parameter Analysis

The concentrations of AST, ALT, BUN, Cr and HbAlc in plasma of eachgroup of mice were measured at week 9, i.e., after the treatments hadbeen stopped for 6 weeks. The results were summarized in Table 14 below.

It was found that the levels of AST, ALT, BUN, Cr and HbAlc in thediabetes mice were reduced by treating with beta-lactam compounds. Forexample, DMH may reduce the levels of AST, ALT, and HbAlc; MER mayreduce the level of AST; CEFT may reduce the levels of AST, ALT, BUN,Cr, and HbAlc; PEN may reduce the level of ALT, BUN, Cr and HbAlc; andTIE may reduce the level of HbAlc, even after the treatments had beenstopped for 6 weeks.

TABLE 14 Plasma biochemical parameters in each group of mice Week ASTALT BUN Creatinine HbA1c Groups (U/L) (U/L) (mg/dL) (mg/dL) (%) G7: m/m 80 ± 2^(a)  43 ± 4^(a) 17 ± 1^(a) 0.377 ± 0.01^(a) 3.8 ± 0.1^(a) G8:db/db 130 ± 22^(bcd)  88 ± 8^(bc) 44 ± 3^(cd) 0.465 ± 0.01^(bc) 7.2 ±0.2^(e) G9: db/db + DMH 127 ± 13^(ad)  79 ± 8^(bc) 44 + 2^(d) 0.467 ±0.01^(bd) 5.8 ± 0.3^(d) G10: db/db + MER  93 ± 8^(ab)  89 ± 5^(bcd) 43 ±2^(bd) 0.488 ± 0.03^(cde) 6.9 ± 0.3^(e) G11: db/db + CEFT 104 ± 10^(ac) 80 ± 7^(bc) 38 ± 2^(bc) 0.428 ± 0.01^(b) 4.9 ± 0.2^(c) G12: db/db + PEN169 ± 24^(de)  72 ± 20^(ab) 41 ± 5^(bd) 0.424 ± 0.02^(ab) 4.2 ± 0.2^(a)G13: db/db + TIE 212 ± 43^(e) 104 ± 10^(cd) 47 ± 4^(d) 0.473 ± 0.05^(be)5.7 ± 0.2^(d) G14: db/db + MET 194 ± 17^(e) 116 ± 12^(d) 37 ± 1^(b)0.517 ± 0.01^(e) 6.7 ± 0.2^(e)

In Table 14 above, values of group mean±SEM of each parameter werelisted, and the difference between the values was significant (P<0.05)if the italicized letters in superscript did not overlap, as explainedabove.

From the above, it can be seen that the beta-lactam compounds of thepresent disclosure exhibit a long-acting effect in improving a glucosemetabolism disorder, and thus can be useful for improving the quality ofpatients' lives and their compliance with the treatment of a glucosemetabolism disorder.

While some of the embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail above, it is, however, possible for those ofordinary skill in the art to make various modifications and changes tothe particular embodiments shown without substantially departing fromthe teaching and advantages of the present disclosure. Suchmodifications and changes are encompassed in the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for long-acting prevention or treatmentof a glucose metabolism disorder in a subject in need thereof,comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of acompound represented by formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof:

wherein: R₁ and R₃ are independently H or a substituted or unsubstitutedmoiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,hydroxyalkyl, fluoroalkyl, chloroalkyl, bromoalkyl, iodoalkyl,perfluoroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, carboxyl,aralkyl, aralkenyl, aralkynyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaralkenyl,heteroaralkynyl, heterocyclyl, acyl, benzyl, phenyl, aminocarbonyl,aminoalkyl, amino, hydroxyl, alkoxy, acyloxy, silyloxy, amido, imidoyl,carbamoyl, halo, thio, thioether, sulfo, sulfonic, sulfamoyl, thiazolyl,thiazolidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, triazolyl, azetidinyl andsulfonamido, R₂ is H or (C1-C6)-alkyl, and R₄ is H or (C1-C6)-alkyl oralkali-metal or alkali earth-metal, wherein the alkali-metal or alkaliearth-metal is sodium, potassium, lithium, cesium, rubidium, barium,calcium or magnesium, and wherein the long-acting prevention ortreatment of the glucose metabolism disorder is prevention or treatmentof a symptom of the glucose metabolism disorder for more than two daysafter administration of the compound.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinR₃ is represented by one of formulas (I-a) to (I-l) below:

wherein: R₉ and R₁₃ are independently H or (C1-C6)-alkyl or alkali-metalor alkali earth-metal, wherein the alkali-metal or the alkaliearth-metal is sodium, potassium, lithium, cesium, rubidium, barium,calcium or magnesium, R₁₀ and R₁₁ are independently H, halo, cyano,(C1-C6)-alkyl, nitro, hydroxy, carboxy, (C1-C6)-alkoxy,(C1-C6)-alkoxycarbonyl, aminosulphonyl, (C1-C6)-alkylaminosulphonyl,di-(C1-C6)-alkylaminosulphonyl, carbamoyl, (C1-C6)-alkylcarbamoyl,di-(C1-C6)-alkylcarbamoyl, trifluoromethyl, sulphonic acid, amino,(C1-C6)-alkylamino, di-(C1-C6)-alkylamino, (C1-C6)-alkanoylamino,(C1-C6)-alkanoyl(N—(C1-C6)-alkyl)amino, (C1-C6)-alkanesulphonamido, or(C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)_(n), wherein n is 0 to 2, and R₁₂ is H or(C1-C6)-alkyl.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound isrepresented by formula (II) below:

wherein R is defined as R₁ in claim 1, and R₂ and R₃ are as defined inclaim
 1. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the compound is carbapenem.5. The method of claim 4, wherein the compound is represented byfollowing formula:

wherein R is defined as R₁ in claim
 1. 6. The method of claim 4, whereinthe compound is ertapenem, doripenem, imipenem, meropenem, biapenem,panipenem, tomopenem, lenapenem, tebipenem, razupenem, or thienpenem. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the glucose metabolism disorder isselected from the group consisting of obesity, overweight,hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, type 1 diabetes,and type 2 diabetes.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the glucosemetabolism disorder is hyperglycemia and the administration reduces aplasma glucose level in the subject.
 9. The method of claim 7, whereinthe glucose metabolism disorder is glucose intolerance and theadministration increases glucose tolerance in the subject.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the long-acting prevention or treatment lastsfor at least one week after the administration.
 11. The method of claim1, wherein the long-acting prevention or treatment lasts for at least 6weeks after the administration.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein thelong-acting prevention or treatment lasts for 6 to 10 weeks after theadministration.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject ismammal.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is human.
 15. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the subject suffers from type 1 diabetes ortype 2 diabetes.